6 Strategies to Make Hearing Aid Batteries Last

The trick to making hearing aids cost effective hinges on just one component–the batteries. It’s one of the biggest financial challenges consumers have to deal with when shopping for hearing aids because the costs of replacing them can add up fast.

Even more concerning, what if the batteries quit at absolutely the worst moment? This is a big issue even for rechargeable brands.

There are some things you can do to extend the life of the batteries in hearing aids, so you don’t have to stop and replace them several times every week. Make the batteries last just a little bit longer by thinking about these 6 simple ideas.

1. Be a Smart Hearing Aid Consumer

It begins when you are initially shopping for your hearing aids. Quality of brand and hearing aid features are a couple of the factors which determine battery life. Not all batteries are made the same, either. Cheap components and even cheaper batteries are what defines low quality hearing aids. Be sure to talk this over this with your hearing care specialist because you will be changing out the batteries constantly.

Make some comparisons as you shop and, also, consider what features are crucial for you. Wireless models come with batteries that die twice as fast as models with wires. And the bigger hearing aids have longer lasting batteries. These larger devices can possibly go for a couple of weeks without requiring new batteries as opposed to the smaller ones which will require battery replacement every two days. Get the features you require but understand how each one impacts the power drainage of the hearing aids.

2. The Hearing Aids Need to be Stored Properly

To prevent drainage of power you will normally have to open the battery door at night. Also, you will want to:

Store your batteries in a cool, dry location. Humidity and heat will affect battery cells. The main thing is to keep them away from heat sources such as light bulbs. Room temperature is okay.

Also, a dehumidifier is a smart idea. It’s one of the best ways to preserve both the hearing aids and their batteries. Their fragile components are easily damaged by moisture in the air.

3. Take Precautions When Changing the Batteries

Be certain your hands are dry and clean. The quality of the battery is negatively affected by humidity, grease, and germs. Don’t forget to leave the plastic tab in place until it’s time to use the new batteries, too. The latest hearing aid batteries mix zinc with the air to power up. You don’t need that to happen before you are ready.

After you pull the tab, but before you use them, it’s smart to let them sit out for 5 minutes. The battery could be extended by days if you do this.

4. Different Battery Sources And Batteries Can be Experimented with

High quality batteries have a longer life than cheap ones, obviously. Consider not only the brands, though, but what types of hearing aid batteries you’re using and where you purchase them, as well. If you buy in bulk, you can get good batteries for less at some big box stores.

Be careful if you shop online, particularly from an auction site like eBay. Batteries have an expiration date that they need to be sold by. You shouldn’t use them once they expire.

The easiest way to find batteries at an affordable price is to ask your hearing care specialist.

5. Be Ready For The Unavoidable

The batteries are going to quit sooner or later. It’s beneficial if you get an idea when that will occur, so you don’t find yourself in a difficult situation. To keep track of when the batteries fizzle and need to be changed, make a schedule. Over time, you’ll get a feel for when you need replacements.

So you can figure out what features have the biggest effect on the battery and which brand batteries are best for your device, keep a diary.

6. What Are the Alternatives to Batteries

One of the best things about modern hearing aids is that some are rechargeable. You may pay a little more for those units, but it will be worth it if you can save money on batteries. If you need a bunch of features like wireless or Bluetooth, then rechargeable batteries are likely the better choice.

Hearing aids are a considerable investment but so are the batteries that you need to make them work. A small amount of due diligence goes a long way to lengthening the life of those batteries and saving you cash. To find out what your best option for you is, schedule an appointment with a hearing aid specialist.